NAGPRA Associate Director at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology/Harvard University

Job Title: NAGPRA Associate Director

Description

The Peabody Museum seeks a NAGPRA Associate Director to oversee the efforts associated with ensuring the Museum’s fulfilment of the legal and ethical implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) under the general direction of the NAGPRA Director. The position will supervise the staff and activities of the NAGPRA Office, and work in close collaboration and communication with staff across Peabody departments and Harvard University to achieve the University’s goals around the timely and respectful return of ancestors and cultural items. 

 

To Apply:

Applications are due Nov. 27th by 5pm. To apply, go to position 64310BR https://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs.

 

Requirements

Position Responsibilities include: 

  • Supervise a team of 5-7 individuals. 
  • Oversee NAGPRA processes and initiatives including the development of project objectives and benchmarks, implementation planning, and general oversight of consultations and physical transfers. Compile reports and data to support project planning and recommendations. 
  • Have primary responsibility for NAGPRA consultation on cultural items including sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony. 
  • Develop and implement outreach strategies to proactively engage Native American communities in NAGPRA consultations. Advise on potential partnerships to further the Museum’s ethical stewardship goals. 
  • Effectively communicate about the work of NAGPRA implementation to the public, Peabody and campus staff, and other internal and external stakeholders. 
  • Cultivate positive relationships with Native American communities. 
  • Demonstrate and communicate the Peabody’s commitment to proactive and respectful NAGPRA implementation through meeting with Tribal government officials, attendance and presentation at conferences and workshops, service on advisory panels, and holding office or performing relevant committee assignments in affiliated professional and/or community organizations and/or events. 
  • Support and engage with the Indigenous community on campus, working with the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP). 
  • Perform other duties as required. 

 

Basic Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field 
  • Five plus years of related experience, including project/program management  
  • Supervisory experience 

 

Additional Qualifications and Skills 

  • Experience working with Tribal and Indigenous communities, including conducting discussions and/or consultations. Appreciation of, and respect for, the variety of traditions and cultural protocols practiced by Tribal Nations 
  • Strong interpersonal skills  
  • Demonstrated experience in successful project management involving multiple stakeholders, meeting deadlines, and working collaboratively as part of a team. 
  • Management skills, including coaching, mentoring, and developing staff. 
  • Experience working with sensitive collections and information, and database skills a plus. 
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Problem-solving skills to recognize potential areas of stakeholder concern and address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues. 

About the Peabody Museum 

The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of the Massachusett people. It cares for over 1.2 million items from across the world, including cultural, archaeological, and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic and archival materials.The Museum is committed to the ethical stewardship of its collections through implementation of collaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, and engagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment and to act in ways that address the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.